How to protect your skin from pollution using the Body Shop products

It’s only recently that I became aware of the issues that pollution can cause to your skin. I mean it’s pretty obvious when you think about it, I guess I just didn’t think about it.

After doing some research and trying out a few of the new anti-pollution range form the Body Shop, I thought I’d share how you can start to protect your skin from pollution, without spending a small fortune.

If you’re just here looking for The Body Shop discounts, scroll to the bottom of this post.

How can pollution effect your skin?

Although city life has it’s benefits; all of the brunch choices, after work drinks, great opportunities and exciting things to do, it can take a toll on your skin.

Late nights, air conditioning, bad quality tap water, spending most of your day staring at a screen, bad air quality, so much traffic. This list could go on for a while. All of these things can really effect your skin.

I’m not sure about you, but if I’ve spent a long day in the city, my skin and hair can feel, well, a little grimy.

Due to the unfortunate cocktail of poor air quality, pollution, exhaust fumes and UV rays, your skin can feel pretty dirty, clogged and tired. This can then lead to breakouts, dry skin, premature ageing and well just not very great skin.

But how to combat anti-pollution?

The Body Shop recently launched a range of products targeted specifically to help protect your skin from pollution. They have a pretty good article talking about the issues of city living.

But there are some key things you should be doing to help combat pollution. You don’t need to use the Body Shop products I’ve recommended (there are plenty of others in the market that will do similar things), but at least understand the fundamentals to ensure you are protecting your skin. And also, the Body Shop is pretty inexpensive!

Scrub away the pollution by double cleansing (and use a good face mask for good measure).

Moisturise and re-hydrate your skin.

Protect your skin from UVA & UVB rays by wearing an SPF. Every day please.

Drink water – Yes that means drinking the recommended daily allowance or over!

First deep cleanse your skin to remove pollution

A cleanser I’ve been enjoying is from the Body Shop’s New Drops of Youth range. The cleanser is called Youth Liquid Peel and it pulls out impurities from your skin. You can literally feel it pulling out the gunk from your face. Sounds grim but it’s oddly quite satisfying.

I only use this twice a week, for a deep cleanse, but it does the job. Have a look at the reviews of this product on the Body Shop, all you’ll see is people raving about it.

The matcha mask which I’ve fallen in love with

I can’t explain to you my love for the matcha tea pollution clearing mask. Sorry if you’ve heard me banging on about this, on my insta-stories. But it’s just amazing at giving your skin a nice deep clean without being striping. It’s soothing, you can really feel it exfoliating and just helps to leave your skin looking radiant and clearer.

It’s hard to convey how much I do love this mask, but it’s so affordable and I always notice a difference after use. If I’ve put this on in the morning my makeup glides on.

Made with matcha (a skincare super ingredient), the mask is proven to help combat oily skin, treat inflammation and diminish the signs of ageing. It also has aloe vera to soothe and help tackle breakouts.

One more thing, after raving about it on Instagram, a few people bought it off my recommendation and have ALL said that they also love it. So if you are looking for a new mask that provides a deep clean whilst feeling cooling/soothing, this is your mask.

Hydrate your skin and put back moisture

There are so many hydrating moisturisers on the market, so I won’t go into all the ones I like. But I’ve found that the Drops of Youth, Fresh Emulsion is light and hydrating. It sinks into the skin quickly and leaves the skin feeling smoother. It has glycerin in it’s formula which helps locks in moisture and nourishes the skin.

Please wear an SPF

Now I know that the UK are bad for this and I can guarantee half of you reading this might apply an SPF infrequently, if not only when on holiday.

Well I’m here to tell you that you’ve got it all wrong and will see signs of aging a lot quicker. There are so many studies out there that prove this.

My advice? Wear an SPF, EVERYDAY. Get into the habit of putting it on before your makeup. We all have that one thing you don’t do without leaving the house, so make applying an SPF one of them. Not only are you protecting your skin from pollution and the sun’s rays, but the screen you are using to read this post also impacts your skin. SPF will help to protect your skin.

Again, it doesn’t need to be pricey, the Body Shop Skin defence SPF 50 is only £16 and will last you forever, as you only need a tiny amount. Please remember though, if you use an SPF, you HAVE to cleanse your skin in the evening otherwise there is a high chance it will break you out. This is because it penetrates deeply into the skin to protect it. Hence needing to make sure you remove it in the evening.

The Body shop discounts for you!

Finally, don’t forget I’m always looking for deals for you all. So if you fancy £10 off when you spend £25 at the body shop, then click through the image below (or this link) and then use the code 19805 at the checkout. Or you can get 30% off so many products, just use the code 14674. Please make sure you click through from my blog to ensure you redeem the offer.